The tank is ready

Michael ‘The Tank’ Vermeulen is ready for action at his upcoming Extreme Fighting Championship (EFC) in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) in about two weeks.

The local resident will be going up against Poland’s Tomasz Kowalkowski in Sun City on 15 October. The strongly built man, explained that he’s been involved in MMA for three years and has already won three EFC titles. “I was a rugby player before deciding to participate in MMA.”

Vermeulen added that in order to qualify for the EFC, he had to participate in nine amateur fights. “The amateur fights weren’t really challenging me anymore,” he boasted.

He then qualified for his pro-licence in 2014. “I had to go through various tests to check whether I’m able to fight in pro fights.” He added that the sport is challenging as it’s not only about boxing and wrestling, but it is a combined effort, along with mental strength, to be able to compete in the sport.

“I have to be very disciplined to be able to compete in this sport. I have a full-time job, so I practise two hours each morning before work and two hours in the evenings,” explained Vermeulen. He added that he is in the right head space before each fight as he is well prepared and knows how to block certain jabs and he knows how to fight back.

The most rewarding part of this sport for him is the ability to be a title contender. His number one goal is to be able to fight overseas. If he wins the EFC title, he can be a cash prize winner as well as have the opportunity to get sponsorship.

Vermeulen advised young, aspiring MMA fighters to just keep going and not to give up.

He thanked his sponsors for their ongoing support.